Yorkie Puppy Training Guide

Ok, so you are anticipating the arrival of your new Yorkshire Terrier often pronounced "Yorkie" puppy. You’ve bought toys and puppy chews galore, you’ve even bought the recommended puppy food and cute little feeding bowls.

In all the excitement you have forgotten the most important item. The one that will help your Yorkie puppy feel secure and stimulate his most natural instinct “Denning”. This is his kennel or puppy crate.

Now I know it may sound harsh and I know you want to comfort the little fellow as much as you can with your motherly instincts by letting him curl up beside you in bed to sleep. But this is the worst thing you can teach him at this age. Here’s why; For starters, your Yorkie puppy has been weaned from his mother for several weeks now, he doesn’t need you to sleep with him. The typically age of bringing home a puppy is 8 to 12 weeks old. And your puppy was weaned from its Mother around 5-6 weeks.

Your Yorkshire Terrier pup has a natural instinct to den, meaning to curl up in a small secluded area. So by using a kennel or puppy crates you are reassuring your puppy he has a safe and secure home. I will be the first to admit that crate training doesn’t happen overnight, however by following a few simple rules and practicing patience and discipline you and your puppy will have mastered the crate or otherwise known as kennel training in a very short time.

Research has shown the most critical learning stage for your puppy is 8 weeks to 16 weeks of age. You decide how you want your pup to behave as an adult dog and teach him to behave that way NOW!

How To Crate Train a Yorkie Puppy.

1. Introduce your puppy to his new crate by keeping the door open during play time, encouraging him to go in and out.
2. Place a chew toy or little treat in his crate, let him take time to explore his new area.
   Never force your puppy inside the puppy crate.
3. Be patient and when he goes in the crate reward him with lots of praise.
4. Try restraining him in the crate or kennel for a few minutes with your hand, and gradually increase the time.
5. Once he is comfortable inside restrain him by closing the door.
   Always stay in sight and praise him for good behavior!

It is very important that your puppy associate his crate with feelings of safety and security from the very beginning. Be creative; encourage him to feel comfortable in his crate by rotating his toys in his crate.

Another suggestion is stuffing a hollow sterilized bone with peanut butter, cheese, or a few treats. Leave this special treat in his crate for him to find. Make it a game for him. I also suggest rotating his chew toys in the crate to keep his attention to exploring the new crate.

You can even place an old towel or blanket with your scent on it inside for bedding. (Do not use a dog pad or bed until your puppy has out grown accidents)

By selecting a permanent location in your house for your puppy’s crate will also instill security. Choose a quiet spot away from noises such as the phone, doorbell and children playing. A whining or barking puppy will quiet down if they feel secure. Remember the training will not happen instantly, being patient and routinely practicing these techniques will help your puppy feel secure with his new home.

Properly crate training a puppy leads to quick easy puppy housetraining.

It is true people that are successful in crate puppy training their puppies find that potty training is a breeze, because your puppy will soon learn not to go potty in his sleep area. Once your Yorkshire Terrier puppy is comfortable with his crate or kennel keep him in the kennel for a few hours, upon leaving him out to play immediately take him potty.

If your puppy does have an accident in his crate, most likely it is either to large of an area, or you left him in the crate or doggie kennel to long.

An estimated age guideline for Yorkie puppies to be contained in their kennel is 1 hour long for every month in age. For example if puppy is 8 weeks old (2 months) you should not expect him to be able to hold it for any longer then 3 hours.
Never punish your puppy by forcing him in his crate or reprimanding him while he is in the crate. You always want to instill his crate as a “special place”. His crate should be a place where he feels safe and happy!

One last important safety tip; be sure to remove collar, tag and any leads from your puppy before placing him in his crate!

For more information on training your Yorkshire Terrier puppy check out our other articles in the Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Guide.